The Maltese is a small, affectionate breed known for its long, silky white coat. While charming in appearance, their fine single-layer hair requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and maintain comfort.
This guide covers everything you need to groom a Maltese properly—from choosing the right clippers and blades to daily coat care and trimming tips.
🧬 What Kind of Coat Does a Maltese Have?
The Maltese coat is different from most breeds. It consists of hair, not fur, and lacks an undercoat. This hair is extra fine, making it very prone to tangles and knots. Whether kept long or short, the coat requires frequent brushing—though a short cut is easier to maintain.
Unlike double-coated breeds, Maltese don’t shed visibly. Loose hairs stay trapped in the coat and must be brushed out—unlike other breeds that shed around the house.
🧵 Coat Texture Variations
The texture of a Maltese coat can vary. Some dogs have a soft, cotton-like texture, others have curls, and some exhibit the classic silky, straight show-dog finish. Some even have mixed textures—silky in the front, curly in the back.
Even among purebred Maltese, not every coat will meet the show standard. When crossed with breeds like the Bichon Frise, the coat may become wavy or curly with age—even if it starts out straight in puppyhood.
🐾 Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat
Maltese puppies begin with a soft, short, low-maintenance coat. Between 10 and 14 months, this transitions to an adult coat that is much more prone to matting.
Begin brushing early—even before it feels “necessary.” This builds comfort with grooming. Once the adult coat comes in, brush every 3 days for short cuts or daily for long styles.
🧴 Bathing & Conditioning Tips
Always follow shampoo with conditioner—whether rinse-out or leave-in. Shampoo opens the hair cuticle; conditioner seals it, helping reduce tangles and static.
To reduce tangling during brushing, apply anti-static or detangling sprays regularly.
🛁 Grooming Frequency Guide
Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks, or as needed
Face Cleaning: Daily (to reduce tear and saliva stains)
Ear Cleaning: Once a month
Nail Trimming: Every 4–6 weeks
Hair Clipping: Based on your preferred coat length
Not confident trimming nails? Try a LILIPROPET Nail Grinder for safer, smoother filing.
🧹 Brushing Tools & Techniques
Use a bristle brush for short coats or puppies.
Use a pin brush for long or fluffy coats. Brush in sections (line brushing).
For tangles: Apply detangler spray and use a slicker brush.
Finish with a boar bristle brush to condition the ends and reduce breakage.
Avoid soft-bristle brushes for adult coats—they do little to detangle and are best for puppies or sensitive spots.
✂️ Clippers for the Maltese Coat
If a clipper mentions “A5,” it supports a universal blade system trusted by professional groomers.
A5 clippers are:
✅ Compatible with most interchangeable blades and combs
✅ Designed for quick blade swaps
✅ Ideal for flexible, precision grooming
This is especially helpful for Maltese coats that vary in texture or density.
Clippers: Choosing the Right Tool
LILIPROPET AC803
LILIPROPET AC804
Same power as AC803 plus LCD display
Ideal for dense, matted, or coarse coats
🔗 Both are A5-compatible, working with standard blades and combs.
💡 Use low speed for trimming; high speed for thick sections.
💡 Tip:
If your Maltese has a smooth, tangle-free coat, a heavy-duty clipper is enough.
But if you're dealing with frequent mats or dense areas, use a super-duty model—it reduces pulling and gives cleaner, more comfortable results.
📖 Curious how A5 blades work?
Check out our guide: What Is an A5 Blade? Universal Clipper Compatibility Explained
✨ Trimmers for Detail Work
After clipping the main coat, use a mini trimmer to clean small, sensitive areas such as:
Mini trimmers are quieter, lighter, and easier to control than full-sized clippers. Their narrow blade (~3cm) allows for precise and safe detailing.
We recommend the LILIPROPET Pet Hair Trimmer series, featuring:
Cordless, ergonomic design
Quiet motor for nervous dogs
Skin-friendly ceramic blades
Perfect for detailed grooming on small breeds like the Maltese
🔧 What Blades Should You Use?
#40 Blade (0.25mm) – Paw pads or hygiene zones. ⚠️ Not for full-body use—risk of injury.
#10 Blade (1.5mm) – Standard universal blade. Used for full-body clipping or base for comb attachments.
#7F Blade (3.2mm) – Ideal for removing mats or starting over with a fresh, short coat.
#5F Blade (6.3mm) – Neat and tidy cut for regular grooming. Not too short, not too long.
#4F Blade (9.5mm) – Gives a medium-length, soft and natural finish.
#3F Blade (13mm) – For fluffy “teddy bear” styles. Only use on clean, fully detangled coats.
For longer styles (16mm–32mm): Use stainless steel comb attachments on a #10 or #30 blade.
Pro Tips:
✅ Use Finish Cut (F/FC) blades unless you’re experienced
⚠️ Avoid Skip Tooth (ST) blades—they can catch and pull unevenly
✂️ Check blade sharpness and heat every 10 minutes
🛁 Prep with volumizing shampoo and light conditioner before clipping
LILIPROPET Professional A5 Blades
🧼 Before You Clip: Prep Matters
Even the best blades won’t perform well on a dirty or tangled coat.
✅ Bathe and condition first
✅ Fully dry the coat (use a pet chamois and low-heat dryer)
✅ Detangle thoroughly before clipping
Hands-free dryers let you brush while drying—ideal for saving time and getting a smooth finish.
👂 Ear & Eye Care
Ears: Clean only the visible parts using a cotton pad and pet ear solution. Never insert anything deep.
Tear/Saliva Stains: Wipe eyes and mouth daily with a soft cloth. Trim hairs near the eyes to avoid irritation and moisture buildup. If staining persists, consult your vet.
With the right grooming routine, tools, and techniques, you can keep your Maltese looking and feeling their best—whether you maintain a short sporty style or a full, fluffy show coat.
